Town officials in the Adirondack High Peaks are the latest to ask hikers to refrain from traveling outside their local area to hike during the coronavirus pandemic.

Joe Pete Wilson, Supervisor for the town of Keene, New York, in the High Peaks, recently released guidelines for how hikers can help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Keene is home to some of the most popular trailheads in the Adirondacks.

In the guidelines, Wilson asks hikers to stay close to home and not travel to hike.

He says Keene is a small town with limited EMS and hospital infrastructure, and any increased demand from the virus will stress their system.

He suggests hikers explore local, “offbeat” trails that won’t have crowds. He also asks hikers to practice social distancing and hand washing.

Read Wilson’s full statement below:

The Town of Keene asks that you please hike responsibly and follow the guidelines for containing the spread of the Corona Virus.

1. Hike Locally! Stay home and hike the offbeat trails that won’t be crowded.

2. Don’t travel to hike. Our small town has limited EMS & hospital infrastructure. Any extra demand stresses the system.

3. If you hike anywhere, practice social distancing and handwashing! Stay healthy and active.

Thank you for thinking of our small town when you decide to stay home and enjoy a local hike!